Oh, you’re new here? Well, buckle up because this is going to be a busy week here on the blog. This week is a Blog Party for the bloggers of D-Listed. If you’re not a member already, you should be. Really. You’ll get to meet lots of fabulous bloggers, gain exposure for your own blog, and sometimes you can win free stuff. And who doesn’t love meeting new people and winning free stuff, right? But more than that, it’s building a sense of community.
In addition to the Blog Hop, I’m kicking off a Guest-post-a-palooza to raise awareness for Post-Partum Depression and Anxiety (and no, I couldn’t come up with anything less ridiculous to call this week). I’m also hoping to guest post in a few places, so I’ll be sure to link you there.
But first, I suppose I should introduce myself and explain this blog, right?
Here goes:
This is me and two of the loves of my life. The other loves are wine, television, chocolate, and a good book, but not necessarily in that order. (This picture is about 6 months old. New pics are coming next month. My child has hair now. And it’s CUTE. And curly.)
I’m a wife, a mom, a daughter, a friend, and by day I’m a high school English teacher. I’m a laundry-goddess. A reflux-warrior. A master multi-tasker. And I make a mean chicken parm. And sometimes I do all of those things in one day. (Except the reflux. We’ve mostly slayed that dragon.)
Contrary to how fabulous I may seem, I am not a Super Mom. I am surviving post-partum depression, and I’m happy to report that I’m finally on the side of this battle where my good days are outweighing my bad. Because I’m a survivor–because I AM surviving–this cause is near and dear to my heart, which is the reason my Guest-post-a-palooza (REALLY? THAT’S THE BEST I COULD DO!?!?) is coinciding with the Blog Hop.
My struggle to not be defined by my illness (and yes, depression is more than just a “chemical imbalance”) led to the creation of this blog. When we were trying to conceive our little guy, I started my first blog. And after I had him, I felt like the blog didn’t fit my life anymore. It was too confining. The title was happy-happy, joy-joy (no, that wasn’t actually the title. The title was “Hoping and Wishing”) and I felt like it pigeon-holed me into talking about the positives. It wasn’t an outlet for the negative. And when I did need to write something negative, I felt like I had to be incredibly apologetic about it. Like I’d upset people if I was too honest about my feelings.
Thus, Not Super…Just Mom was born.
Because really, I’m not super. I’m average, at best. And I do NOT look good in tights (and how do you keep them from falling down in the crotch, anyway?). Being a mom is the ultimate on-the-job training. Only, instead of learning how to do one job and do it well, the job changes every.single.day. And sometimes, that change really sucks. And it’s hard to be super at something you don’t know how to do.
So, this blog is me being honest. Being real with y’all. Being me.
(And yes, I say y’all. A lot. I’m below the Mason-Dixon. I wear my pearls. I drink my sweet tea. I’m allowed to say y’all.)
I guess in the sake of y’all getting to know me more, I should link you to my favorite posts. It’s hard for me to pick my favorites because this blog is my blood, sweat, and tears. I’m going to pick three and list them here, but you should really check out the link at the top titled “Best of the Blog” for more of my favorites.
Enjoy!
- The one where I reaffirm the belief that pantyhose are stupid
- I’m a Boy Mom
- Let this one serve as a humorous warning to you all
(DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS FOR ME TO JUST PICK THREE POSTS!?!?)
I look forward to reading more!! Don't forget to head my way too.
Hi Miranda! I'm stopping by from the party. Nice to meet you!
I am totally with you on the on-the-job training thing. I learn something new every day, it seems!
Stopping by from the blog party! It was nice to read about you! I've been/am struggling with the depression so i know where your coming from! Can't wait to read more of your blog!
Jennifer
http://www.lebedafamily.blogspot.com
Stopping by from the party! Can't wait to read more. I say y'all a lot too but I'm from South Florida where that doesn't happen much. I get lots of crazy looks but I have Texas blood and love the word.
Haha! I am sorry that it was hard to pick three! You can add more if you like. Thanks for partying with me!
Stopping by from the blog party, and so glad I found your blog. I've had depression for a while & am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have PPD (first couple weeks were really bad, last couple have been better, but still sort of on the border between depressed and ok but sleep deprived & overwhelmed).
Hi! stopping in from the blog party. Nice to meet you and looking forward to reading more – glad you are raising awareness of an important issue
Devan @ Accustomed Chaos
http://www.accustomedchaos.com
Stopping in from the blog party!
I'm looking forward to reading more. I like that you are open and real and not hiding behind a title that no longer fits.
http://lilbumpkin.blogspot.com
I look forward to following you guest posts this coming week! Both of our children (just 13 months apart) had some pretty bad stomach and reflux issues during their first few months of life. Their struggles made for some pretty dark days for me as their mommy. I appreciate other moms who are willing to be open and honest about their experiences – I felt awful for the lack of joy that I felt at being a new mom!
I'm visiting from the D-List Blog Hop!
Visiting from the D-List blog party! I love how you seem "real" in your posting…and you have a beautiful family! New follower here! 🙂
http://goobergrapemonkeyman.blogspot.com
First of all… were we only suppossed to pick 3 of our favorite posts? I suck at directions. Secondly, you are already one of my favorite people on Twitter. Third, I will be back to read more, but now I'm continuing my way through the D-list blog Hop.
PPD mom here! Your family is beautiful! I look forward to getting to know more about you!
Adorable boy! Following you on Twitter now too 🙂
beforethebabywakes.blogspot.com
@alexcampbell11